Monday, March 28, 2011

WITNESS PROTECTION ACT – A VIEW

Perak’s PPP Deputy Chairman and criminal lawyer Dr. Naran Singh has said that the trio involved in the screening of a sex video that alleges Anwar Ibrahim’s involvement should be protected under the Witness Protection Act (WPA). The Act stipulates that ‘any witness who comes forward to reveal privy information on acts of wrong doing should be given rightful protection’.

I am no lawyer but my interpretation and understanding of the Act may differ from that of Dr. Naran in this particular case. I would agree with Dr. Naran if the trio calling themselves Datuk ‘T’ did not deliberately call for the newsmen (I do not know how many of them) to Carcosa for a public viewing of the video. Had the trio maintained absolute privacy of the video, and went directly to the police, then I think WPA applies. But by having to screen the video to the newsmen and subsequently publishing it the following day makes it public information, and is no longer privy information.

My perception of the case is simply that the trio wanted to cast aspersion on Anwar character and for the press to believe that the person in the video was indeed Anwar. The motive is ill intended. If one is to listen to the press statement given by YB Johari Abdul who was invited by the trio to see the video, than one would have a different perception of the case. Regardless whether if it was Anwar or not in the act, but a good Muslim would never ever want to do what the trio had done. It is outright slander, and the trio being Muslims would know what it takes to slander someone. What if the investigation concludes that it wasn’t Anwar the porn actor?

Some would say that I am only trying to defend Anwar. It is far from that. The issue in question here is one of slander, and it has nothing to do with whether it was Anwar or otherwise. I am only defending the right of an individual against an act of slander, and clearly the act of the trio is definitely one of slander. And what makes this issue even worse is that the persons involved in the screening of the video are persons of influence and dignity. I do not know whether my readers will agree with me on this.

My only humble response to Dr. Naran is that I beg to differ from his views and opinion of the case. I would stick by my decision that the trio does not deserve to be protected under the WPA, but is to be investigated for being in possession of a pornographic video and for screening it in public.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

6 comments:

maurice said...

We are creating a very dangerous precedence by saying it is okay under the WPA to make public any evidence to acts of wrong doing.What more showing a porno video at a public place.We have our laws on the circulation of porno materials. Those who have violated the law should face the music.The WPA should not be used to protect an indecent and immoral act.

As for the porno video, the Police should get 3 or 4 refutable overseas agencies/consultants to verify the authenticity of the video recording.We want to know once and for all whether the person in the video is really DSAI or somebody else.The Police will be respected if they are willing to embark on this course of action.

Mohd Arshad Raji said...

Dear Maurice,

Let's hope the police does their job well this time without fear or favour. Thamby got away with his dirty act the last time.

Unknown said...

At some point in the past I thought Malaysian politics had begun maturing. Obviously, this conclusion is wrong.
As clear as day, gutter politics is is alive and well.
As a consequence of that, one might want to ask what likely effect will the video incident have on Anwar Ibrahim's political career?
Thank God, the Malaysian public is today more mature and are intelligent enough to judge for themselves.
The ballot box will surely be the eternal determinant.

Kamal Sanusi said...

Dato'

They have create so many dangerous precedence couple with statement from Nazri that there is nothing wrong with the act of those Datuk "T"olol.

Who is Yusri KRU to determine and give comment on the authenticity of the said video in which people are well noted that Malaysian films are no other than love story & so-called comedy and stupid horror.

We can hope that the police will do their job without fear & favour but...... I doubt it.



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Major Ganeson Alwar said...

In this country we have politician who serve the rakyat when it is election time..and spend the rest of their time politicking once elected as MPs in concert with their "bag carriers". Please have some moral values to serve the people.

Col Roseli said...

Dr. Naran is not only a criminal lawyer but he's also a PPP's man. So we must read him in that manner.